The issue that has really disappointed Carroll is that he wasn’t even given pre-season to prove himself to a new manager.

And although Carroll is a self-confessed Toon supporter and former season ticket holder, from a professional point of view being told he can go without being judged fairly has left the player somewhat annoyed.

As Carroll told the Chronicle in January 2011, he never wanted to leave Newcastle to start with.

Now he has told his representatives that Newcastle are at the top of his wish-list and the sooner a move back to Tyneside can be quickened up the better.

Whether United’s interest in Carroll signals the end of the road for Demba Ba remains to be seen.

A close pal of Carroll told the Chronicle last night: “Newcastle are interested – and Andy wants to come home. He’s already told Liverpool that too.

“From a professional point of view Andy is miffed that he wasn’t given the chance to show what he can do in front of new manager Brendan Rodgers.

“He was expecting to get at least pre-season to show what he could offer him.

“He ended last season on a high and wanted to continue that.”

Carroll, at 23, still fits into Newcastle’s blueprint and has never made any secret of his love for the Magpies.

It was only last week that United boss Alan Pardew refused to kill off the rumour at his pre-season Press conference when he said: “We’ll see where Carroll treads the boards next season.

“He did very well for us and he’s had a rough ride from the media at Liverpool.”

A source from the Carroll camp continued: “Andy is still a fan. He never had any intention of quitting Newcastle to start with.”

But there are still a few hurdles yet if the deal is to become a reality.

The loan offer is with a view to a permanent transfer.

Newcastle’s initial offer, which was rejected, was actually closer to £13million despite reports of a lower offer.

However, those close to Carroll know that the saga is far from over.

His £80,000 wages at Liverpool can’t be matched by United – but the player and the club are open to reviewing his payment structure.

As we reported on June 11 in light of interest from AC Milan, the door has always been ajar for Carroll with the striker returning to his beloved St James’ Park on several occasions as a guest in the executive area.

His friendship with Toon managing director Derek Llambias, Pardew and his former team-mates – not to mention John Carver, the man who prevented the club from losing him for free in 2004 during his stint as Academy chief – has remained untarnished.

And the source continued: “Andy’s been told he can go.

“Newcastle have bid and the wheels are in motion.

“Andy knew three days ago of the interest from Newcastle but has been on holiday.

“He’s been keeping an eye on things though and would love to come back.

“Like the rest of the Newcastle fans he’s in awe of Papiss Cisse and would love to create what he feels would be a ‘deadly’ strike-force next season.

“He’s surprised Liverpool don’t want him anymore and doesn’t want to be where he is not wanted.”

As we reported back in January, United retained an interest in Carroll during tougher times for the striker at Liverpool.

Back then figures of a cut-price £15million bid were discussed but then-Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish did not want to part with Carroll, and was determined to prove his own judgement was right.

With Dalglish gone, Carroll was told he has no future under former Swansea manager Rodgers’ footballing philosophy.

And the Academy product is keen to move back to the club he loves – with a return to Tyneside the Geordie boy’s first choice.